The distribution characteristics of available copper in Wangmao gully watershed of Northern Shaanxi Province were investigated using a stratified sampling method.In the studied watershed

the mean value of available copper was higher than the critical value in the loess area.Effective soil copper was found high in slope areas of gullies and low in slope areas of mounds.In terms of slope aspects

the sequence of effective soil copper was semi-sunny slope>sunny slope>semi-shaded slope>shaded slope.The strongest correlation between effective soil copper and soil organic matter was identified in the soil layer of 20-30cm.The research provides solid evidences for studies regarding the distribution of soil trace elements in Loess Plateau region.